Quest Medi Lab

04/24/2026

Food related intolerances, sensitivities and Autoimmune Diseases are often mislabeled as allergies.
It's not just semantics, knowing the difference could save your life or the life of others.

Allergens: Your immune system mistakes a harmless substance for a threat and fights back hard. Reactions can range from hives and swelling to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical intervention. There is no safe threshold. Cross contamination from a shared utensil, a chopping board or a cooking surface can be enough. When someone tells you they have an allergy, the word "trace" should never feel reassuring.

Intolerances: Your digestive system lacks the enzyme or ability to process a specific substance in the food. Unlike allergies, this does not involve the immune system and is NOT life-threatening. Symptoms are uncomfortable and digestive in nature, and because intolerances are often dose dependent, a small amount may be tolerated while a larger amount causes problems.

Food Sensitivities: the grey area most people don't know about Sensitivity sits between allergy and intolerance. Unlike intolerances, it does involve the immune system, but through a slower IgG-mediated response rather than the rapid IgE response of a true allergy. Symptoms can take up to 72 hours to appear, making it extremely hard to trace back to a specific food.

Autoimmune Diseases: identifying the differences Unlike allergies, where the immune system attacks a foreign substance, autoimmune diseases cause the immune system to attack the body's own healthy cells. The trigger may be a food, but the damage is internal and cumulative. Coeliac disease is a key example: eating gluten doesn't just cause discomfort, it causes the immune system to attack the lining of the small intestine. Over time this damages the gut's ability to absorb nutrients, leading to serious long-term health consequences even when symptoms seem mild or absent. This is why Coeliac disease is neither an allergy nor an intolerance, it is a lifelong condition requiring strict, permanent avoidance. Not because a reaction will be immediate or dramatic, but because the damage is happening regardless.

Mislabeling any of these conditions doesn't just cause confusion, it shapes how seriously others take your needs, how food is prepared around you, and whether someone reaches for an EpiPen or hands you a Lactaid.

02/12/2026

11/19/2025

Eczema is often influenced by immune responses to allergens. Identifying what triggers flare-ups is key to managing symptoms effectively.

With proper testing and guidance, you can better understand your triggers and take steps toward lasting comfort and healthier skin.

Start by understanding your skin with ASA.

11/18/2025

11/14/2025

Food sensitivity can create so many different symptoms, that unless one is keen about noticing reactions to food intake, it can be very difficult to pinpoint. The top 8 foods that produce reactions are: gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, fish and crustations. Unfortunately, it can take up to 3 days for the reaction to occur.
Some reactions can be a constant throat clearing after eating the offending food, flushing of the face/neck or ears, an increased heart rate, GI issues, mood swings and the list goes on and on. The pulse test is an interesting method to determine if the food you are eating is possibly creating a reaction in your body. Take your pulse for a minute. Eat the food in question, preferably just one item. Set the timer for 20 minutes and then retake your pulse. If the count is greater than 10 compared to the original count, your body might be experiencing a reaction.
Testing for allergies uses IgE antibodies, testing for food sensitivity, uses IgG antibodies. Both are a blood test. If you are having a time with food sensitivity reactions after eating certain foods, call the office so we can determine what your triggers are.

Material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Any statements or claims about the possible health benefits conferred by any foods or supplements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.

11/14/2025

🚨 FOOD SENSITIVITIES TRIGGER SILENT INFLAMMATION! 🚨

Food sensitivities cause "silent inflammation"—low-grade immune activation that damages tissues over time! Unlike allergies (immediate), sensitivities create delayed reactions (4-72 hours), making them invisible but devastating to health.

🔥 Silent damage: Chronic food sensitivities increase inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6) by 40-60%, contributing to autoimmune diseases, depression, weight gain, and accelerated aging.

🎯 Common culprits: Dairy (casein), gluten (gliadin), soy (lectins), eggs (ovomucoid), nightshades (solanine). Even "healthy" foods can trigger individual sensitivities.

🔬 Detection: Elimination diet for 3-4 weeks, then systematic reintroduction. Track symptoms in food diary—brain fog, bloating, joint pain, skin issues.

🩹 Healing protocol: L-glutamine (5-10g daily) repairs gut lining, digestive enzymes improve breakdown, anti-inflammatory herbs (turmeric, ginger) reduce immune activation.



References: Vojdani et al., Journal of Nutrition 2020; O'Keefe et al., Cell 2019

11/14/2025

Food Sensitivities vs. Allergies – What’s the Difference?

Many people use the terms food sensitivity and food allergy interchangeably, but they are actually very different—and understanding the difference is essential for managing your health safely and effectively.

🌟 Food Allergies:
A food allergy occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless food as a threat. This triggers a rapid response, which can range from mild symptoms to life-threatening reactions.

Symptoms may include:
• Hives, itching, or swelling
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Shortness of breath or wheezing

In severe cases: anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention

Common food allergens include: peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, soy, and wheat.
Allergic reactions are usually immediate, occurring within minutes to a couple of hours after eating the trigger food. Because allergies can be serious, people with known food allergies often carry epinephrine auto-injectors for emergencies.

🌟 Food Sensitivities:
Food sensitivities, on the other hand, are usually digestive or metabolic responses, not full-blown immune attacks.

These reactions can be delayed, sometimes taking several hours or even days to appear, and often include:
• Bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort
• Headaches or migraines
• Fatigue or low energy
• Skin issues like acne or rashes
• Mood changes or brain fog

Common triggers for sensitivities include lactose, gluten, caffeine, certain food additives, and nightshade vegetables. Unlike allergies, sensitivities are generally uncomfortable but not life-threatening.

✅ Why It Matters:
Understanding whether you’re dealing with a sensitivity or an allergy helps you make informed choices about your diet and lifestyle. Allergies require strict avoidance and preparedness for emergencies, while sensitivities can often be managed by tracking triggers, adjusting portions, or using supportive supplements.

Tip: If you suspect either, consult a healthcare professional or allergist. They can perform testing, help you identify triggers, and develop a plan to keep you safe and feeling your best.

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